Taita Taveta, Migori, and Meru Counties are currently the worst affected counties, with Lamu and Tana River likely to join the worst affected counties due to the floods from El Nino rains.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura says in the last 24 hours, five deaths have been reported raising the flood-related toll to 165 deaths.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, Mwaura said 107,843 households comprising approximately 539,215 persons have so far been displaced by El Nino rains.
“The government has thus created 11 additional camps (5 in Tana River, 4 in Kilifi and 2 in Lamu) to accommodate the displaced citizens,” Mwaura stated.
The floods being experienced in the country have destroyed four roads, 832 acres of farms, 23 homesteads, three bridges, three schools, and a chief’s office here in Lamu County.
“Faza Primary, Rehema Primary and Safirisi Primary Schools have had their infrastructure destroyed by the floods and housed livestock. Ongoing Rescue operations have saved lives, including the recent rescue of five police officers from Sailon Village and the relocation of 80 individuals from Hewani and Kulesa village. However, key roads remain impassable, affecting accessibility to the affected areas and hindering relief efforts,” he added.
Farmlands affected by El Nino rains
The government estimates that a total of 1,770 acres of farmlands is submerged in Hindi ward, another 2,100 acres of cropland destroyed in Bahari ward, 5,400 acres of cropland destroyed in Mkunumbi ward, 6,382 acres marooned in Hongwe ward,26,731 acres under production destroyed in Witu ward, 495 acres destroyed in Basuba ward.
“The government takes note of these destroyed farmlands and we shall use these data to effectively plan for the people of Kenya and Lamu, to be specific. The government, in collaboration with humanitarian organizations, has swiftly acted to provide aid. Food deliveries, relocation efforts to higher ground in Moa area of Lamu, distribution of essential food items, water treatment supplies, medical drugs, and veterinary support are among the crucial interventions being undertaken to alleviate the suffering of affected communities. Cholera kits have also been delivered to Lamu, Kilifi and Mombasa Counties to help control the disease,” Mwaura added.
“As we navigate this humanitarian crisis, our collective efforts remain focused on providing immediate relief and long-term support to those affected. We urge citizens to extend their solidarity and support to fellow Kenyans during this difficult period. For further assistance or emergency incidents.”
On Tuesday, the Kenya Meteorological Department announced that the El Nino rains are set to continue across different parts of the country from today.
The weatherman predicts that the rains are expected to continue across the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin, South Eastern lowlands, and the Coast from December 5 to December 11, 2023.
The forecast also indicated that isolated storms and heavy rainfall are likely to occur in parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Southeastern lowlands.
